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Church Opens Institute

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By SARAH ROTHWELL, The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 7, 2007

Updated: 11/05/2007 06:11 pm

UNIVERSITY AREA - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has opened the Tampa Institute of Religion at Fletcher Avenue and 42nd Street.

The institute serves 120 students, most from the University of South Florida, and young professionals. The purpose is to develop students' spiritual knowledge. Classes include studies of the Old Testament, the New Testament and the Book of Mormon. Students previously met at a storefront on 56th Street.

Institute Director Alex Patrick said the new building is a welcome change.

"We now have a rec room, a gym and a student lounge where people can hang out or study between classes," Patrick said.

Construction of the building began in 2004. The church has owned the property on 42nd Street for many years. An old building there was demolished in 2002 to make room for the new facility, which includes a chapel and meeting rooms for local wards (congregations). Paintings depicting the life of Jesus Christ line the walls.

An open house is scheduled for 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 14. The event will include a tour and refreshments. The public is invited. Tampa Stake President Victor Patrick, who oversees LDS churches in the area, hopes to see many new faces.

"We'd love to have our neighbors come in and see the building," he said.

In addition, both church members and nonmembers ages 18 to 30 are welcome to attend programs at the institute. Classes meet at noon Tuesdays, 7 p.m. Wednesdays, noon and 7 p.m. Thursdays and 12:30 p.m. Fridays. A free lunch is served before afternoon classes. Credits can be transferred for credit at other church schools, including Brigham Young University in Utah.

The Temple Terrace ward and Young Singles ward meet Sundays for worship.

On Oct. 30, students met at the institute to discuss the New Testament and the message of forgiveness. Craig Williams, a missionary, led the class with his wife, Marilyn. Students listened and then offered their own insight into why it's difficult but necessary to forgive.

"Is there a limit to how much we should forgive?" Williams asked.

"No," the class responded.

Student Phillip Sherling said institute classes inspire him to be a better person.

"They make every day easier," he said. "To learn to be more like Christ, to have more love and compassion for others, it's a blessing."

Sherling, who attended classes at the old location, considers the new facility a blessing, as well.

"It's convenient, and it's better," he said.

Instructor Marilyn Williams agreed.

"It's a beautiful facility," she said. "It's a place for the young people to hang out with others who share the same thoughts and beliefs."

Alex Patrick said the most important thing is that everyone feels welcome.

"The building is a place for people of all faiths to come increase their knowledge about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Mormon Church in general," he said.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Tampa Institute of Religion

WHERE: 13510 N. 42nd St.

WHEN: Open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays.

INFORMATION: Call (813) 977-8617.

Sarah Rothwell can be reached at (813) 865-4845 or srothwell @tampatrib.com.

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